204 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



never offer premiums, where speed governs, for horses less than 

 five years old. 



When the colt is between three and four years old, let him 

 be harnessed very carefully by some one who knows how to 

 handle a colt — not by any boy that happens to think he knows 

 all about it. Let him stand with the harness on for an hour or 

 two ; the next time a little longer ; and so on, until he gets per- 

 fectly familiar with it. Then, if convenient, hitch him by the 

 side of an old horse to a sled or wagon, and use him very care- 

 fully — not too long the first time. Use him so a few times, 

 then hitch him to something alone. Be gentle and patient. 

 If he does not go the first time, be a little indulgent, and wait 

 his motion. Let him understand that you are not going to hurt 

 him. Never manifest any impatience, and on no account use 

 the whip. See that everything is right about the harness ; 

 sometimes a very little thing will irritate the colt and make him 

 refuse to go. If you are sure that nothing is wrong, and he 

 still refuses to go, unharness, take a small, stout cord, tie one 

 end to his under jaw, pass the cord over the neck back through 

 the noose at the mouth. Now take the cord in the hands firmly 

 and give it a sudden jerk, first on one side then on the other, 

 for a few minutes. The power is so great that you have perfect 

 control of him. If he is not inclined to follow you, put a sur- 

 cingle around him, bring the cord back under the surcingle, 

 then pull very gently, bring his head around towards his side. 

 Now tie a cord to one of his fore feet ; bring it up through the 

 surcingle over his back ; take up his foot, at the same time 

 draw on the cord over his back, so as to keep it off the ground. 

 Then pull the cord attached to his mouth, so as to bring tlie 

 head around close to his body. If he makes resistance, just 

 hold the cords firmly, and in a few minutes he will yield and be 

 inclined to lie down. Let him do so gently ; be careful to have 

 him fall so as not to bring his head under ; keep the cords tight, 

 and in two minutes you have the colt under the most perfect 

 control. You can now loosen the cords, handle the colt any- 

 where, do anything to him, and he is your most obedient ser- 

 vant. Do not keep him down but a short time. When he is 

 up, take the cord from his foot. He has now perfect confidence 

 in your ability to overpower him, and still, if you have been 

 careful, you have not irritated his temper. He will follow you 



